I am close to finishing building my H18 trailer. Choosing a tie down method is next. Why on earth does this Hobie tie down kit cost $90+-? The pictures of the kits for sale show a bag of straps and maybe some hardware. I don't mind paying extra for some added safety, or made in the USA parts, but this seems a tad steep. Anyone using these straps? What is so special about them?

I am close to finishing building my H18 trailer. Choosing a tie down method is next. Why on earth does this Hobie tie down kit cost $90+-? The pictures of the kits for sale show a bag of straps and maybe some hardware. I don't mind paying extra for some added safety, or made in the USA parts, but this seems a tad steep. Anyone using these straps? What is so special about them?

1794 is $81.99 (USA USD 5/2013)

The kit includes straps and 4 stainless (Bow) tangs to mount on the hull lips for easy attachment points (Bow tangs $11.99 Each List / $47.96) and attachment hardware for the trailer end as well.

I installed the stainless tie-down tangs on my boat many years ago. They are convenient as the strap hook holds from the tang, negating a strap over the hulls that can cause a wear spot, or over the crossbars.

My only gripe is the tangs trapezoidal shape has corners one has to avoid, lest getting jabbed by them when climbing aboard from the water. Maybe the shape has been changed over the years?

As stated above, largely what you're paying for with this kit is convienience. The straps engage into a custom bracket that you mount to the flange of the hull and the other end of the strap remains fixed to the trailer, so no parts to lose, relocate, re-adjust, etc. It sets up the same everytime once you get the lengths sorted.

You can achieve equivalent strapping force with a $20 set of ratchet straps or $5 worth of old mainsheet. They may not be as convienent, but a lot cheaper and tend to work well enough once you get a system figured out.

Thanks guys!Exactly the info I needed. Since I will be storing the boat on the trailer, I did not want straps over the hulls. Cradles hopefully will be fabricated this weekend. The wife will be out of town and I can borrow the oven.

I bought a #1794 tie down kit and I'm preparing to mount it on my H18. Anyone have pictures of a correctly mounted kit? The pictures in the instructions are of an older version with different hooks. The kit I received has flat S hooks. The bow tangs have only 5/16" holes and the hooks and bolts are all 3/8". Am I missing parts? Should I install bow shackles as loops?